A FIRE chief is giving up what he describes as “the best job in the world”.

Keith Robinson, 50, has notched up 32 years with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – the last three as Kirklees District Commander – but is now retiring..

And one of the most high-profile incidents of his latter role based at Huddersfield Fire Station was overseeing a team of 150 firefighters tackling a massive blaze at Grosvenor Chemicals in 2010.

Mr Robinson followed his father into the fire service and joined straight from school in 1981 at a station in Queensbury (between Bradford and Halifax).

He has risen through the ranks taking on 20 positions at 16 fire stations across West Yorkshire including Todmorden, Wetherby, Hunslet and fire service HQ in Birkenshaw.

He was the first firefighter in West Yorkshire to be promoted from First Sub Officer to Station Commander – by-passing the role of Station Officer – in 1998.

Mr Robinson said: “I think they were testing the water and I was the first.

“It was a huge achievement and clearly it worked as many after me made the move.

“I have worked at 16 stations and seen lots of faces and each of them has their memories.

“The people I have worked with have been second to none. They are outstanding.”

But Mr Robinson says the equipment has been the biggest change.

He added: “When I first started we had nylon leggings and rubber gloves. “The equipment has changed beyond belief and so has the firefighter’s role but it’s still the best job in the world.

“I would do it all again.”

And his dedication to his role hasn’t passed without recognition.

He was presented with a Chief Fire Officer Commendation in 2000 and in 2009 a service award for his Outstanding Contribution for the support he has given to colleagues and their families, much of which has gone above the call of duty.

He has also acted as media spokesman and ambassador for the brigade on a number of occasions as well as many safety campaigns.

Father-of-two Mr Robinson, added the service’s role had changed in his 32 years.

“We are not just about the big red fire engine turning up to a fire.

“About 80% of our work now is on the preventative side of things.”

Mr Robinson now plans to enjoy his retirement and has booked a trip to Australia via Hong Kong with his wife Christine and children Kathleen, 24, and Andrew, 22.